Ideas for Rubber Band Guns with Popsicle Sticks

Basic Rubber Band Gun

• The simplest way to make a rubber band gun is by using three Popsicle sticks and one rubber band. Place two sticks on the work surface to create an "X" shape, overlapping each other at the center. Stick them together using hot glue or tape. Position the third Popsicle stick on top of the two sticks, overlapping them, and glue them together. This is simply to strengthen the gun structure so it can bear the elastic tension. Stretch the elastic band to the two ends of the "X" and you are ready to play with your new rubber band gun.

Rubber Band Gun Variation 1

• Place two Popsicle sticks horizontally on the work desk with their edges touching each other. Tape them together. Position a stick at one end of the joined sticks vertically with the rounded top 1-inch above the horizontal sticks. Like a trigger, place another stick at the other side of the taped sticks, parallel to the one on the other side. The finished sticks will form a shape of a gun. Tape all the sticks together firmly. Make a small slit at the front of the horizontal stick. Loop the rubber band through the slit, and stretch it to wrap it at around the trigger. To fire the rubber band, you'll simply have to aim the gun and release the rubber band from the trigger.

Rubber Band Gun Variation 2

• Take two Popsicle sticks and glue two other Popsicle sticks on top of them separately to add strength. Position them in a "V" shape and insert another stick in between to form a "Y" shape. Wrap them at the joint using a small elastic band so that it is flexible enough to move, but sturdy enough to hold together. Unfold one paper clip and tape it at one of the "V" shaped sticks. Cut a slit in the other stick. Hook the rubber band through the slit, and then wrap it around the paper clip. Fire the gun by stretching the stick with the slit backward and releasing it toward the target.

Tips and Warnings

• You can customize the guns using paint or stickers.

  Use hot glue instead of regular glue so that the joints are strong, or use two or more rubber bands for flexible joints.

  Use large elastic bands for firing as they can be stretched easily.

  Inform the kids about playing safely and tell them not to aim the guns directly at someone as it can yield dangerous results.